>For me and I think most people the smartphone is a way of connecting with other people. I think that's what most people tell themselves, and indeed that's what

>For me and I think most people the smartphone is a way of connecting with other people. I think that's what most people tell themselves, and indeed that's what the original intention was. But I no longer think that's the case in the vast majority of cases - particularly for those who have grown up knowing nothing different. >The need to check it is a need to see what your mates are saying in a conversation Many people are now constantly doing that, and unable to focus on the task in hand. They are constantly distracted with thoughts such as 'I wonder what XYZ is up to', and unable to settle without finding out. I find it interesting that you say 'the need' to do that, BTW! > And people chatting to each other has probably been a thing for millions of years. Certainly for a long time, but not in the same way - this isn't something that even the (normal) phone did - this is a step change in the way that it encroaches on you if you let it, partly because it's with everyone all the time, partly because it's become semi-socially acceptable to be distracted and elsewhere, and partly because the technology behind it is doing everything it can to attract our attention via whatever means works for each individual. >I'm not sure what's so bad about chatting at a distance via tech. Then we'll have to agree to differ on that point. I don't think that technology itself is bad, but I am absolutely convinced that the way it is insidiously grabbing people's attention is a bad thing. I don't think it is about the communication at all - that is almost a bi-product of the main intention.